John Danks, White Sox Agree to Five-Year Deal

According to Jon Heyman, the Chicago White Sox have agreed to a five-year deal with left-handed starting pitcher John Danks, pending a physical. Danks, 26, was entering his final year of arbitration eligibility. The deal, which -- according to Heyman -- likely won't be announced until after Christmas, will pay him $65M over the next five years.

Danks has averaged 195 innings pitched per season since 2008, posting a 118 ERA+ over that span. He made 27 starts in 2011, turning in yet another solid performance: 4.33 ERA/3.82 FIP/3.79 xFIP. To date, he's amassed nearly 20 wins above replacement.

The deal was first reported by Doug Seyller.

• Twitter / @JonHeymanCBS: danks and white sox agree ...
  "danks and white sox agree on $65M, 5-yr deal. looks like some fan had it first. lol"
• Twitter / @JonHeymanCBS: danks deal wont be announc ...
  "danks deal wont be announced until after xmas, as he has a physical to take. #chisox"
• Twitter / @JonHeymanCBS: who says #chisox arent doi ...
  "who says #chisox arent doing anything or that kenny doesnt love his players? danks, only 26 and lhp, gets nice payday ($65M)"